Bob joined Tonkon Torp in September 2006 to chair the firm's Labor and Employment Practice Group. He represents companies, professionals, and executives in employment litigation and provides counseling on a broad range of employment related issues. He has substantial jury trial experience in Oregon and Washington, defending wrongful discharge, discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, and whistleblower cases. He also has defended ERISA lawsuits, been on both sides of post-termination cases with non-competition, trade secret and related claims, and has defended numerous labor disputes in arbitration.

Bob has represented companies in labor negotiations and in election petitions and unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB, and he has negotiated compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment contracts for companies, professionals, and executives.

He also serves as a mediator in complex commercial disputes and in employment and ERISA/benefits cases.

 

Bob consistently is named as one of the Best Lawyers in America by Woodward/White, one of Oregon's Super Lawyers in employment litigation by Law and Politics, and as one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business by Chambers and Partners, USA, which notes that Bob is "top-notch and quick on his feet, and excellent at building strong relationships with his clients" and "the man to call whenever there is a complicated matter that won't go away."  Bob is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Representative Cases
Washington jury issued defense verdict on wrongful discharge and wage claims against real estate management company. The employer also recovered on counterclaim against plaintiff, and the court awarded attorney fees to our client.

Summary judgment granted on perceived disability and contract claims against large paper products company and its union.

Obtained defense verdict on wrongful discharge and whistleblower claims before an Oregon jury. Our client also won a counterclaim for breach of fiduciary duty against its former nursing home administrator.

Summary judgment granted in state court for large retailer where plaintiff had claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress and assault.

Won summary judgment to enforce noncompete agreement for the benefit of acquiring company where agreement was signed by seller's employees in anticipation of the sale of the business.

Court granted directed verdict for employer during jury trial where former accounting clerk brought claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Small local newspaper won jury verdict against employee suing for wrongful discharge and discrimination.

Obtained a directed verdict during jury trial of claims for sexual harassment and wrongful discharge. Manufacturing company recovered on counterclaim against former employee.

Numerous summary judgments granted in federal court on a variety of claims, including age, gender, disability and sex discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, whistleblower, wage and hour, and ERISA.

Speaking Engagements
Bob is a frequent speaker at seminars on labor and employment law and provides training for clients on various issues.

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